Shutdown just a prelude to real threat of debt-ceiling debate: Editorial

The partial government shutdown that began Tuesday is worrisome, to be sure. It could have an adverse effect on the U.S. economy — not to mention local economies that rely on federal funding or institutions — if it drags on for very long.

But it is in no way the fiscal cliff that some have suggested. More of a hill that gets steeper near the bottom.

There is, however, a real cliff looming. This week’s shutdown will be a mere irritation compared with the ramifications if Congress does not raise the debt ceiling in a couple of weeks. If our leaders are willing to sacrifice the full faith and credit of the U.S. government to their partisan battles over Obamacare, the world economy could take a big hit — wiping out much of the weak recovery that already is plodding at best.

The big economic question about this government shutdown is whether it will blow off a lot of partisan steam and tone down the debt-ceiling fight, or will it be just a prelude to rising obstinacy over raising the debt ceiling. If it is the latter, the nation and even the world could be in big trouble.

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, traveling in South Korea on Tuesday, criticized the shutdown and the standoff that caused it: “It does have an effect on our relationships around the world, and it cuts straight to the obvious question: Can you rely on the United States as a reliable partner to fulfill its commitments to its allies?”

That’s what world economic markets will ask themselves if the U.S. defaults on its debts later this month.

The political theater is of particular frustration to Southern Californians. The state will be hit as hard as — or harder than — any by the shutdown that began at midnight East Coast time. It was reported that as many as 169,000 civilian federal employees could be furloughed, about one-fifth of the U.S. total. National parks such as Joshua Tree and Death Valley, veterans centers and space scientists will be affected. But it will trickle out to private businesses as well, such as concessionaires and business that rely on park visitors.

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At the same time, relatively few Southern Californians are in a position to influence members of Congress whose votes are pivotal in this fight — Republicans who backed the bills that would keep the government running only if Obamacare is defunded or delayed. Most of us are represented in the House by Democrats who voted against those senseless bills. Calling Democrats to complain about the Republicans might be cathartic but it won’t make any difference.

Constituents of House Republicans should be pressuring them to drop this crusade against the Affordable Care Act. In this area, they are Reps. Buck McKeon, R-Santa Clarita; Gary Miller, R-Rancho Cucamonga; Ed Royce, R-Brea, and Paul Cook, R-Yucaipa. They’re welcome to continue to argue against the implementation of the new health care program, online signups for which began Tuesday. And there may be opportunities down the road to repeal it. But blowing up the world’s economy to score political points is insanity.

They aren’t going to overcome support for Obamacare in the currently Democratic-controlled Senate and should back off before they hurt the Southern Californians they represent.